Iran

Sanctions and frozen funds hang in the balance as US-Iran peace talks continue, while Cuba runs out of fuel amid tightening sanctions and growing threats of military action.

The US unleashes “Operation Economic Fury” and blockade against Iran as sanctions on Venezuela are eased and Democrats push back on Trump threats of military action against Cuba.

Trump’s apparent disregard for the predictable consequences of striking Iran could drive energy shocks, food crises, and widespread suffering that put millions at risk worldwide.

The escalating US–Israeli war on Iran has triggered one of the largest energy supply shocks in modern history, hitting developing economies the hardest. A rapid, large-scale issuance of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) by the IMF could provide immediate, cost-free relief—boosting reserves, stabilizing economies, and helping countries maintain access to essential imports.

The war with Iran is not only a humanitarian crisis but a costly economic shock, raising prices, straining global supplies, and locking the US into higher military spending for years.

Trump administration allows limited Iranian and Russian oil sales, and eases certain Venezuela sanctions. Meanwhile, the US blockade on Cuba chokes the island’s economy and population, a policy that recent polling indicates many US Americans oppose.

The Trump administration reportedly wants $200 billion for its war on Iran. Over the past year, they have cut spending — mostly on health care and food assistance — equal to that amount.

The war with Iran is portrayed as an economic shock to US allies—raising energy costs, straining economies, and offering little clear benefit—undermining claims that other countries should be thankful for the conflict.

Trump’s proposed $200 billion for war in Iran represents a significant share of the federal budget, far exceeding commonly debated spending items and highlighting how misleading raw dollar figures can be without context.

The US-Israeli war on Iran is already lost for the United States. Even if Iran is militarily defeated, it is unlikely the United States’ political objectives will be achieved. And, on balance, the United States will come out weakened from this war.